How bacteria change their RNA to resist antibiotics
RNA modification and antibiotic resistance
Researchers are learning how chemical changes to bacterial ribosomal RNA help common antibiotics stop working, with the goal of helping people with antibiotic-resistant infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11298032 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Scientists at Emory are studying enzymes that add chemical marks to bacterial ribosomal RNA and how those marks interfere with antibiotics such as aminoglycosides. They use biochemical experiments, genetic manipulation of bacteria, and molecular analyses to map specific rRNA modifications and identify the enzymes that make them. Laboratory models of bacterial ribosomes and drug-binding tests show how the modified rRNA alters antibiotic interactions. The findings are intended to reveal new targets or strategies to restore antibiotic effectiveness.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This is a laboratory-focused project that does not enroll patients, but its results aim to benefit people with bacterial infections that are resistant to antibiotics like aminoglycosides.
Not a fit: People with infections caused by non-bacterial pathogens (viruses, fungi) or bacterial resistance mechanisms unrelated to rRNA modifications are unlikely to directly benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new drug targets or diagnostic tests that help treat or identify antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have identified rRNA-modifying enzymes linked to antibiotic resistance, but turning that knowledge into new treatments remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Conn, Graeme L — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Conn, Graeme L
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.